Sports

UMD Men’s Hockey Team Open Pod Play with Win Over Omaha

Koby Bender, Jackson Cates, Kobe Roth, Noah Cates and Hunter Lellig all scored for the Bulldogs

OMAHA, Neb. – A four-goal third period would be the difference as the UMD men’s hockey team won their season opener over Omaha 5-3 Tuesday night at Baxter Arena. Koby Bender, Jackson Cates, Kobe Roth, Noah Cates and Hunter Lellig all scored for the Bulldogs, who will look to go 2-0 in the pod Wednesday night when they face #5…

UMD Women’s Basketball Team, Duluth Salvation Army to Host Toy Drive

The collections will take place Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Malosky Stadium parking lot.

DULUTH, Minn. – This upcoming weekend, the UMD women’s basketball team is teaming up with the Duluth Salvation Army to host a special toy drive. They will be collecting toys, hats and gloves for local children. The Bulldogs say what they do on the court is just as important as what they do off the court. “The second you get…

Virus Forces Gophers to Cancel Game vs. No. 16 Northwestern

(AP) – Minnesota has called off Saturday’s game against 16th-ranked Northwestern, the second straight cancellation for the Gophers due to a spike in COVID-19 cases within the program. University officials made the decision in consultation with the Big Ten after seven additional positive cases were confirmed. The Wildcats lead the West Division at 5-1. Since Nov. 19, Minnesota has turned…

UMD Swept by Minnesota in First Home Series of Season

Ashton Bell records lone goal for Bulldogs.

DULUTH, Minn.– The No. 6 ranked UMD Bulldogs fell by a score of 2-1 at home against rival Minnesota. The Gophers pulled ahead with the first two goals of the game, leading 2-0 after 2 periods. The Bulldogs tried to make it interesting with a goal from forward Ashton Bell with just under 10 to play. But couldn’t pull of…

Coaches Corner: Scott Sandelin

For this week's segment, we hear from the head coach of the UMD men's hockey team.

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we spoke with UMD men’s hockey head coach Scott Sandelin as the Bulldogs get set to open their season next week in the NCHC’s pod in Omaha. Sandelin also spoke about his expectations for this year’s squad, as well as what he likes about his captain Noah Cates. Categories: College, Friday Night…

Northland Winter Sports Coaches Talk Delayed Start to the Season

Through the frustration, winter sports coaches continue to stay positive and hope that their players will be back on the court and the ice very soon.

DULUTH, Minn. – Last week, Minnesota governor Tim Walz ordered that all organized youth sports, including on the high school level, be paused for a period of four weeks. The decision prematurely ended the fall sports season, and now it’s delaying winter sports. We have reaction from local coaches including Esko boys basketball coach Derek Anderson, Duluth Denfeld boys Dale…

UMD Women’s Hockey Drop Home Opener to Minnesota

Ashton Bell and Kylie Hanley scored for the Bulldogs.

DULUTH, Minn. – Senior captain Ashton Bell and junior forward Kylie Hanley would score for the UMD women’s hockey team, but Minnesota would score four unanswered goals as the Golden Gophers knock off the Bulldogs 4-2 Friday night at Amsoil Arena. UMD will look to split the series Saturday afternoon. Puck drop for that game is set for 3:07 p.m….

UMD Men’s Hockey To Open Season December 1st as NCHC Announces Schedule Changes

The Bulldogs will now open their season Tuesday, December 1st against Omaha.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Due to a positive COVID-19 case on the Colorado College men’s hockey team that is forcing them to quarantine and delay the start of their season, the NCHC has announced some changes to the pod schedule, which does impact the UMD men’s hockey team. The Bulldogs will now open their season Tuesday, December 1st against Omaha….

The Three Most Important Questions Heading Into the Season for the UMD Men’s Hockey Team

The Bulldogs kick off their season next Wednesday against Denver in the NCHC pod in Omaha.

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD men’s hockey team are less than a week away from the start of their season. So with that in mind, let’s take a look at the top three questions heading into this upcoming season. The #1 question has probably been the most commonly asked since the abrupt end to last season: who will replace Hunter…

UMD Women’s Hockey Freshman Clara Van Wieren Talks About Stellar Debut for the Bulldogs

Van Wieren's two-goal weekend earned her Rookie of the Week honors from the WCHA.

DULUTH, Minn. – Last weekend, UMD’s Clara Van Wieren scored a goal in each of her first two collegiate games, a feat that hasn’t been accomplished at UMD since 2007, which helped her land Rookie of the Week honors from the WCHA. We spoke with her this week about what it meant to make an immediate impact for the Bulldogs….

UMD Women’s Hockey Set to Host Rivals Minnesota at Amsoil Arena

Puck drop for Friday's game is set for 6:07 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – 271 days. On Friday night, that will be how long it has been since the UMD women’s hockey team has played a game at Amsoil Arena. And this weekend’s home opener couldn’t have come at a better time with their stellar start to the season. UMD is coming off a dominant sweep over Minnesota State Mankato, outscoring…

Thanksgiving Plans Different This Year for UMD Men’s Hockey Team

The NCHC is requiring all teams to quarantine for seven days before heading to the pod in Omaha.

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD men’s hockey team are a week away from the start of their season and the NCHC is requiring all teams to quarantine for seven days before heading to the pod in Omaha. So according to head coach Scott Sandelin that means Thanksgiving will be a little different this year for his players. “They’re going to…

Duluth East’s Joe Vos Commits to St. Thomas Baseball

Vos is the fourth Greyhound to play Division I baseball in the past three years.

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth East’s Joe Vos has committed to joining the St. Thomas baseball team. Last month, Vos had committed to Kirkwood Community College. But now, Vos will go straight to the Division I ranks as a two-way player. And if you’ve been keeping track, that’s the fourth Greyhound to play Division I baseball in the past three years….

UMD’s Scott Sandelin, Noah Cates Talk Playing in the Omaha Pod

The Bulldogs open their season in the pod next Wednesday against Denver.

DULUTH, Minn. – Tuesday, the NCHC held Day Two of their annual Media Day, virtually of course. The main topic of discussion for all the teams, including UMD, was the Omaha pod. The Bulldogs will have seven games in the first 12 days, playing a team every other day. All in all, it will be 10 games in 19 days….

Duluth East’s Molly Henderson Commits to UW-Eau Claire Women’s Soccer Team

In six games this past season, the senior forward finished with nine goals, including a hat trick late in the season against Cloquet-Carlton.

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth East’s Molly Henderson has signed her National Letter of Intent to join the UW-Eau Claire women’s soccer team. In six games this past season, the senior forward finished with nine goals, including a hat trick late in the season against Cloquet-Carlton. For her career, she scored 25 goals and eight assists. Her reason for choosing the…

Hoffbauer Tree Farm Helping Keep Holiday Traditions Alive

The Hoffbauer's Hope to Be Open Through Dec. 20, or Until Supplies Last

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s oftentimes a family tradition. For others, it could be a year of new beginnings. Picking out the Christmas tree brings back memories for many, and for one local family, they’re just happy to help make it all happen. “You’ll be overwhelmed by the fragrance which would be the smell of the balsam and a little bit…

UMD’s Noah Cates, Cole Koepke Named to NCHC Preseason All-Conference Team

Both junior forwards recorded 33 points each last season.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – During day two of Media Day, the NCHC announced that UMD’s Noah Cates and Cole Koepke were named to the preseason all-conference team. Cates is coming off a productive sophomore year, tallying 14 goals and 19 assists, which earned him a spot on the All-NCHC First Team. Koepke also finished with 33 points last season, including…

First Practices Underway for Northwestern Basketball Teams

The girls will open their season December 3rd at home against Cumberland. The boys will be on the road December 5th against St. Croix Central.

MAPLE, Wis. – While the winter high school sports season in Minnesota will stay dormant for the next month or so, it’s all systems go across the bridge, including out in maple for Northwestern High School. The boys basketball team kicked off their first night of practices with the evaluation period and tryouts. The gym was filled with some new…

UMD Men’s Hockey Picked to Finish Third in NCHC Preseason Coaches Poll

The Bulldogs were picked to finish 3rd, behind North Dakota and Denver, who were first and second, respectively.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – We are just over a week away from the start of the NCHC season. The UMD men’s hockey team will be heading to the pod in Omaha, Nebraska to get things started off. But first, let’s check out the conference’s preseason coaches poll which was released Monday. The Bulldogs were picked to finish 3rd, behind North…

Tyler Korby Named New Head Coach of Carlton Softball Team

Korby serves as the club director for the Minnesota Blast travel softball team for the past eleven years.

CARLTON, Minn. – Tyler Korby has been named the new head coach of the Carlton softball team. Korby has been a staple in Cloquet High School athletics, serving as assistant volleyball coach for the past eleven years, assistant girls basketball coach for seven years and was on the staff for the softball team from 2010 to 2017. Korby has also…

Ely Football Coach Steps Down After 11 Seasons

ELY, Minn.– Ely Timberwolves Head Football Coach Cory Lassi has decided to step down from the position. He was with the Timberwolves for the last 11 seasons. The Timberwolves went 3-3 this season before their year ended after losing their lone playoff game to Bigfork last week. According to the Ely Echo, Lassi says he decided to move on from…

Minnesota Wilderness Season Paused

The pause will last until at least December 26th.

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Minnesota Wilderness announced Saturday that their season has been paused. According to a press release, the decision is a result of the latest executive order put out by the state of Minnesota. The pause will last until at least December 26th. The Wilderness have only been able to play three games so far this season, recording…

UMD Women’s Hockey Sweep Opening Season Series vs. MSU Mankato

Next up for the Bulldogs is their home opener next weekend against rivals Minnesota.

MANKATO, Minn. – Kylie Hanley, Anneke Linser and Anna Klein each scored two goals as the UMD women’s hockey team won a high-scoring affair over Minnesota State Mankato 7-3 Saturday night. Freshman Clara Van Wieren also scored for the Bulldogs, who swept the series over the Mavericks. Next up for UMD is their home opener next weekend against rivals Minnesota….

Coaches Corner: Maura Crowell

For this week's segment, we chat with the head coach of the UMD women's hockey team.

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we spoke with UMD women’s hockey head coach Maura Crowell as the Bulldogs open their season this week. Crowell also spoke about the protocols her team have to go through to get on the ice, as well as her expectations for junior goalie Emma Soderberg. Categories: Coaches Corner, College, Friday Night Frenzy,…

Cloquet tops Proctor in Final High School Volleyball Game of 2020

The Lumberjacks finished the season at 8-4 while the Rails end the year with a 6-4 overall record.

PROCTOR, Minn. – In the final match of the Minnesota high school volleyball season, Cloquet picked up a road win over Proctor 3-1 Friday night. The Lumberjacks finished the season at 8-4 while the Rails end the year with a 6-4 overall record. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Friday Night Frenzy Highlights and Scores for 11/20

It was the final night of the high school football season as teams looked to close the year on a high note.

PROCTOR, Minn. – It was the final night of the high school football season as teams looked to close the year on a high note. Here are the final scores: SECTION 5/6 NINE-PLAYER South Ridge 0 Win-E-Mac 50 SECTION 7 NINE-PLAYER Bigfork 12 Mountain Iron-Buhl 34 Silver Bay 27 Cherry 0 SECTION 7AA Crosby-Ironton 30 Mesabi East 6 SECTION 7AAA…

UMD Women’s Hockey Blank Mankato on Opening Night

Taylor Anderson, Naomi Rogge, Anna Klein, Ashton Bell and Clara Van Wieren all scored for the Bulldogs.

MANKATO, Minn. – Five different players scored a goal and junior goaltender Emma Soderberg finished with a shutout as the UMD women’s hockey team opened their season with a win over Minnesota State Mankato 5-0 Friday night. Taylor Anderson, Naomi Rogge, Anna Klein, Ashton Bell and Clara Van Wieren all scored for the Bulldogs. They’ll look for the sweep Saturday…

Big Shoes to Fill for UMD Women’s Hockey Goalie Emma Soderberg

Soderberg says she is excited for the opportunity and grateful for the time she spent behind one of the best goaltenders in program history.

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD women’s hockey team will open their season Friday night against Minnesota State Mankato. Junior Emma Soderberg will start in net for the Bulldogs and she’s got some big shoes to fill following the departure of Olympic gold medalist Maddie Rooney. But the Sweden native is excited for the opportunity and grateful for the time she…

Cloquet Football Falls Short to North Branch in Season Finale

The Lumberjacks finish their season with a 3-4 overall record.

PROCTOR, Minn. – The Cloquet football team rallied from an early deficit, but would ultimately come up short as North Branch defeated the Lumberjacks 40-36 in the Section 7AAAA semi-finals Thursday night at Egerdahl Field. The Lumberjacks finish their season with a 3-4 overall record. Categories: High School, Sports

Grand Rapids Football Set to Take On Defending State Champions Rocori

Kick-off for Friday's Section 8AAAA championship game is set for 5 p.m. at Rocori High school in Cold Spring, MN.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – With the fall sports season now wrapping up Friday night at 11:59 p.m., teams across the Northland have been scrambling to get one more game in. That includes Grand Rapids who will go straight to the section title game with a tall task at hand as they will face Class AAAA powerhouse Rocori. “For the most…

Playoff Dreams Shattered for Hermantown Football Team

The Hawks finish their 2020 season with a 5-2 record as the top team in Secion 7AAAA.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – One of the teams who won’t be playing on the final night of the high school football season is Hermantown, due to scheduling restraints created by Thursday’s Cloquet-North Branch game. The Hawks’ season comes to an end following their win Tuesday night against Duluth Denfeld. Head coach Mike Zagelmeyer says he’s at least glad that his seniors…

Four-Week Pause Begins Saturday for Minnesota High School Sports

The Minnesota State High School League announced that section football play must be completed by the end of Friday and the volleyball regular season will also end on Friday.

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota governor Tim Walz has issued a four-week pause for all organized sports, beginning this Saturday. This includes youth, high school and adult sports. College and professional sports will be allowed to continue. All indoor ice rinks will also be closed until December 18th. The Minnesota State High School League announced that section football play must…

UMD Women’s Hockey To Open Season Friday Night in Mankato

Puck drop this Friday night is set for 6:07 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s been over eight months since the UMD women’s hockey team has played in a game. So the understatement of the year could be that the Bulldogs are very excited to open the season this weekend. UMD brings back four of their top five scorers from last season who accounted for more than half of UMD’s goals….

Northwestern Football Team Ready for Final Game of the Season

The Northwestern football team will take on Ellsworth Thursday night in their regional final game.

MAPLE, Wis. – The Northwestern football team will take on Ellsworth Thursday night in their regional final game. The Tigers toppled St. Croix Central last week to clinch a spot in their final game of the season. Head coach Jovin Kroll says given what has happened to the football seasons in Minnesota and Michigan, he is grateful to be at…

Chisholm’s Abby Thompson Commits to MSU-Moorhead Volleyball Team

Thompson is the first player in program history to continue her volleyball career at the next level.

CHISHOLM, Minn. – Wednesday, Chisholm’s Abby Thompson signed her National Letter of Intent to join the Minnesota State Moorhead volleyball team. Thompson is the first player in program history to continue her volleyball career at the next level, an honor she is well aware of. “I’m so happy I kind of made that name for myself here. And I hope…

Proctor/Hermantown’s Ella Anick Signs NLI for Bemidji State Women’s Hockey

The senior blueliner recorded nine goals and 21 assists last season, helping the Mirage advance to the section title game.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Proctor/Hermantown’s Ella Anick has signed her National Letter of Intent to join the Bemidji State women’s hockey team. The senior blueliner recorded nine goals and 21 assists last season, helping the Mirage advance to the section title game. Anick joins Grand Rapids/Greenway’s Claire Vekich who also committed to joining the Beavers last week. Categories: College, High School,…

Prep Football: Hermantown, Virginia, GNK Open Playoffs With Wins

It was a good start to the playoffs for the Hawks, Blue Devils and Titans.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Senior fullback Riley Thorsten scored three touchdowns in the first half as the Hermantown football team got the win over Duluth Denfeld 42-22 Tuesday night in the Section 7AAAA semi-finals. The Hawks advance to the section finals and will face the winner of the Cloquet/North Branch match-up, which is set to take place Thursday night at Egerdahl…

Governor Tim Walz Urged to ‘Pause’ High School Athletics

An infectious disease expert said that 10% of all cases in Minnesota schools Aare associated with with sports.

ST. PAUL, Minn. – During a press conference on Monday, Minnesota health commissioner Jan Malcolm says oublic health officials are urging Governor Tim Walz to issue a pause on winter high school sports. Governor Walz says new guidance from the state on high school sports will be issued in the next day or so as spread of the coronavirus increases…

“Let Them Play Duluth” Wants More Communication with School District

According to organizers, they feel that superintendent John Magas did not need to take the full burden of the decision on his own.

DULUTH, Minn. – Last week, the Duluth school district announced a pause for high school athletics, which begins this Wednesday. A group of players and parents from the district have now banned together to try and get that decision overturned. The group is called “Let Them Play Duluth” and it’s made up of representatives from Duluth East and Duluth Denfeld…

Coaches Corner: Mike Zagelmeyer

For this week's segment, we chat with the head coach of the Hermantown football team.

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we spoke with the head coach of the Hermantown football team Mike Zagelmeyer. Among the topics discussed are the Hawks’ big win in the Hammer Game over Proctor, as well as what this season has been like playing without packed stands at Centricity Stadium. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School,…

UMD Basketball Teams to Open Regular Season January 2nd

The Bulldogs will open their season January 2nd at home against Winona State.

DULUTH, Minn. – Friday, the NSIC released the schedules for the upcoming men’s and women’s basketball seasons. The Bulldogs will open their season January 2nd at home against Winona State. It will be a 16-game schedule with teams playing the same opponent at one site on back-to-back days. Needless to say, the UMD coaches were more than excited about the…

Northwestern Football Knocks Off St. Croix Central in Level 1 Playoff Game

The Tigers advance to Level 2 and will face Ellsworth Thursday, November 19th.

HUDSON, Wis. – Senior fullback Brennen Werner scored two touchdowns in the first half and the defense buckled down in the second half as the Northwestern football team defeated St. Croix Falls 14-0 Friday night in Level 1 of the WIAA Playoffs. The Tigers advance to Level 2 and will face Ellsworth Thursday, November 19th. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High…

Prep Volleyball: Timberwolves, Eskomos Stay Undefeated

Ely won on the road while Esko won its second match in as many days as both teams stayed undefeated.

CARLTON, Minn. – The Ely volleyball team continued to roll, sweeping Carlton (25-17, 25-13, 25-20) to stay undefeated. The Timberwolves improve to 9-0 and will host Northeast Range on Monday. Over in Esko, the Eskomos won their second match in as many days, defeating Cloquet 3-1 (25-21, 25-20, 23-25, 25-13) to improve to 8-0. The Eskomos will host undefeated Greenway…

Section Brackets Released for MSHSL Football Playoffs

Playoff football action in Minnesota begins Tuesday night.

DULUTH, Minn. – The regular season is complete for Minnesota high school football. Now it’s time to find out what the playoff match-ups will be as teams vie for a section title. Dates and times are subject to change and are available here. SECTION 5 NINE-PLAYER #4 McGregor vs. #1 South Ridge #3 Cromwell-Wright vs. #2 Hill City/Northland SECTION 7…

Former CSS/UMD Defenseman Brenden Kotyk Announces Retirement from Pro Hockey

Kotyk spent the past three years playing in the ECHL with both Toledo and Greenville. He started his pro career with Hartford in the AHL in 2017, and totaled 52 points throughout his pro career. 

DULUTH, Minn. – Former St. Scholastica and UMD defenseman Brenden Kotyk announced on his Twitter on Friday afternoon his retirement from professional hockey. Kotyk spent the past three years playing in the ECHL with both Toledo and Greenville. He started his pro career with Hartford in the AHL in 2017, and totaled 52 points throughout his pro career. Kotyk spent…

Duluth East Football Team React to Abrupt End to the Season

The Greyhounds wrapped up their season on a five-game win streak.

DULUTH, Minn. – On Tuesday, the Duluth East football team found out that their game Wednesday night against Cloquet would be their final game of the year. We spoke with the Greyhounds after their 27-22 win and contrary to what you would think, they were in good spirits about their season coming to an abrupt end. “We were very determined….

Prep Volleyball: Esko, South Ridge Winners on Home Courts

The Eskomos and Panthers continued to impress at home.

ESKO, Minn. – In their first action in almost two weeks, the Esko volleyball team got the best of Hibbing 3-1 Thursday night. The Eskomos stayed undefeated on the season. It was also the final match of the season for the Bluejackets, who will be shutdown for two weeks beginning next week. In other prep volleyball action, South Ridge improved…

Minnesota Wilderness Return to the Ice After Quarantine Delays Season Opener

The Wilderness will open their season Saturday night at home against the Minnesota Magicians.

CLOQUET, Minn. – After a positive COVID case put their season opener on hold, the Minnesota Wilderness were back on the ice last week as they get set for their season opener this weekend. Although the team wasn’t able to be together during their quarantine, the coaching found different ways to keep in contact with the team, even with some…